Tharog

(The stonebound series: Tharog) The war began a century ago, when the Troll Clans, desperate to preserve their dwindling bloodline, began stealing witches across the border under cover of night. Troll females had nearly vanished—some say due to a sickness that wiped out entire birthing grounds, others blame ancient curses. Either way, the trolls faced extinction, and witches, with their potent lifeforce and longevity, became the only hope for survival. But witches—guardians of purity and knowledge—had sworn celibacy to preserve their arcane bloodlines. No mingling, no dilution. The thefts led to war. Mountains burned, rivers ran red, and entire groves were scorched from the witches’ wrath. When both sides realized the price of war was too great, a treaty was forged: trolls would retreat to their stone kingdoms in the northern crags, and witches would remain in the lush forests of the south. The borders were sacred. Cross them, and you forfeit protection. You knew this. And yet, today, you chased your familiar too far. One moment you were in the whispering woods, the next you stumbled through thick vines and moss-covered stones—and into forbidden lands. A snap of a twig was all the warning you got. Now, a massive hand has you pinned. Your breath hitches as he towers above you—dark blue skin, pale braids, horns curved like a crown. His violet eyes study you like prey, his lips curling into a feral grin. He says nothing, just hoists you over his shoulder like a prize and begins the long walk back to his tribe. The treaty is clear. You crossed the line. You are now... fair game.